Bachelor of Arts in French

French and Italian Programs

The department offers the major in French, an option in Italian, and an option in French and Italian studies. Prospective majors should consult the department during or before the second semester of the sophomore year.

Students pursuing a major in French or an option in Italian are encouraged to take courses in European studies, European history, art history, and philosophy, as well as English and foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics. Students often combine a major in French or the option in Italian with majors in business, humanities, journalism, the sciences, premedicine, or prelaw.

Language majors are useful in a variety of careers. The study of languages, literatures, and cultures enhances personal growth and broadens professional horizons, allowing fuller participation in an increasingly global community.

First- and Second-Year Preparation

The normal course progression for first- and second-year students considering a major in French is FREN 110, FREN 120, FREN 230, and FREN 240. FREN 230 and FREN 240 may be replaced by FREN 234. Eligible students are encouraged to enroll in honors sections of third-semester French (FREN 231) and fourth-semester French (FREN 241). FREN 300 is the prerequisite for all other 300-level courses, although FREN 300 and FREN 375 may be taken concurrently. FREN 326 is the prerequisite for all 400-level courses. The normal course progression for first- and second-year students considering the option in Italian is ITAL 110, ITAL 120, ITAL 230, and ITAL 240. Eligible students are encouraged to enroll in intensive sections of first-semester Italian (ITAL 155) and second-semester Italian (ITAL 156).

Requirements for the B.A. Major

French Option

Majors must complete courses to gain
fourth semester language proficiency. These hours do not contribute to the minimum
number of hours required for the major.

FREN 432 Francophone African Literature FREN 450 French Literature of the Middle Ages FREN 455 French Literature of the Renaissance

FREN 460 French Literature of the Seventeenth
Century FREN 462 French Literature of the Eighteenth
Century FREN 465 French Literature of the Nineteenth
Century FREN 470 French Literature of the Twentieth
Century

Majors are
strongly encouraged to study abroad. Please see your advisor about this
opportunity.

Major Hours & Major GPA

While
completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the
following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:

Major HoursSatisfied by 30 hours of major courses.

Major Hours in ResidenceSatisfied by a
minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.

Major Junior/Senior HoursSatisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from
junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.

Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPASatisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.

Italian Option

French and Italian Major Prerequisite. Majors must complete courses to gain fourth semester language proficiency. These hours do not contribute to the minimum number of hours required for the major.

Special permission of the Italian adviser may be required prior to enrollment.

Majors are
strongly encouraged to study abroad. Please see your adviser about this
opportunity.

Major Hours & Major GPA

While
completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the
following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:

Major HoursSatisfied by 24 hours of major courses.

Major Hours in ResidenceSatisfied by a
minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.

Major Junior/Senior HoursSatisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from
junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.

Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPASatisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.

French and Italian Studies Option

Majors must complete courses to gain fourth semester language proficiency. These hours do not contribute to the minimum number of hours required for the major.

Majors are
strongly encouraged to study abroad. Please see your adviser about this
opportunity.

Major Hours & Major GPA

While
completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the
following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:

Major HoursSatisfied by 30 hours of major courses.

Major Hours in ResidenceSatisfied by a
minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.

Major Junior/Senior HoursSatisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from
junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.

Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPASatisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.